Nine Louisiana high schools are participating in the Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown. State transportation spokesman Rodney Mallett says this competition encourages students to pledge to buckle up and avoid using their phones while driving.
“Buckle Up Phone Down is really a nationwide push for public information, public outreach h, and public education. The most important things that can save people’s lives.”
The participating high schools are Berwick, LaGrange, Terrebonne, Plain Dealing, Plainview, Chalmette, Ponchatoula, Walker, and Neville.
“Wearing a seatbelt decreases the risk of a fatality in a crash by 45% yet some people, a lot of young people still wont wear their seatbelt.”
Modeled after a successful Missouri initiative, the showdown rewards the top two schools with the highest pledge participation, offering $5,000 and $2,500 donations from AAA for safety programs. Schools are encouraged to use assemblies, classroom lessons, peer presentations, and events to engage students. Mallett says the BUPD High School Showdown aims to reduce traffic fatalities by promoting lifelong safe driving practices among young Louisianans.
“The schools that have the most are going to win prizes that they can use for safety programs.”
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